DD-WRT can be used to replace the firmware on your standard router. It is practically an open-source firmware alternative designed for specific routers. It helps us remove the limitations of the default router firmware and unlocks some advanced options and improves their performance.
If you are sure your router is using the DD-WRT firmware you may want to know how to access its settings. But before you try that you need to make sure you have the following:
CONTENTS
What You Need:
- Wireless router with DD-WRT firmware installed
- A device to access the router settings (PC, tablet, or mobile phone)
- Access to the network over WiFi or the Network cable
- DD-WRT login IP address, admin username and password
What Are The DD-WRT Default Login Details?
Generally, routers flashed with the DD-WRT firmware use the following login details that allow the user to access the router settings:
IP Address: 192.168.1.1
Username: root
Password: admin
If you haven’t modified these login details before, you will be able to use them when you want to log in to your DD-WRT router.
In case the default login details don’t work and you don’t know the custom ones you can gain access to the router settings again after you reset the router to factory settings. When the factory reset is completed, you will be able to log in using the default login details.
How To Login To A DD-WRT Router?
Well, here is a short step-by-step guide that will show you the exact steps to access the DD-WRT router settings.
STEP 1 – Connect To The Network
We have mentioned this before, but it is really important to connect your device to the DD-WRT router network. Depending on the device you are using you can do that over WiFi or using the network cable. In case you don’t have access to the network, the router login process will be unsuccessful.
STEP 2 – Launch Your Preferred Web Browser
In order to see the router’s web-based interface we need a web browser. Please remember that you don’t need an active internet connection. So, open the browser on the device you are using and move to the next step.
STEP 3 – Enter The DD-WRT IP Address In The URL Bar
The default IP used to access the DD-WRT router settings is 192.168.1.1.
Enter this IP into the browser’s URL bar and press Enter if you are using a PC, or tap on Go if you are using a tablet or a mobile phone. The DD-WRT control panel should appear. This means that the IP address is correct.
In case the IP is wrong, you can try to find the router’s default IP on your own. Follow the steps explained here, just choose your device and you will have to correct IP in a minute.
STEP 4 – Enter The Username And Password
When you click on any of the horizontal tabs you will be asked to enter a username and a password.
When asked to enter these login details type root in the username field and admin in the password field.
Then click OK and you should see the DD-WRT control panel.
Now you can go through the settings and make the changes you need. While you are there we recommend making a few security tweaks that will significantly improve your network security. At a basic level these include changing the:
- Admin password
- WiFi name
- Wireless password
Each one represents an additional layer of security and we recommend you to take some time and apply them if you haven’t done that already.
How To Change The DD-WRT Admin Username And Password?
When you login to the router, look at the top row and select the Administration tab.
The Management tab in the second row will be selected automatically. Take a look at the Router Password section and enter the new login details:
Router Username – enter the new router admin username if you want to change it
Router Password – enter the new router admin password
Re-enter to Confirm – enter the new admin password again just to make sure you didn’t make any typing errors the first time
Now scroll down to the bottom of the page and click Apply Settings to save the changes.
You should be logged out of the session after a few seconds. When that happens just login with the new DD-WRT admin login details.
How To Change The DD-WRT Wifi Name?
After you login to your DD-WRT router click on the Wireless tab. The Basic tab will be selected automatically.
If your router has two wireless bands you can choose to make the settings in both the 2.4 and 5Ghz networks. Scroll down to the Wireless Physical Interface sections for the 2.4GH and 5GH networks.
Now in the Wireless Network name (SSID) fields enter the new Network names. We recommend using a different network name for the 2.4 and 5GHz networks. Simply add “5G” or “5GHz” at the end of the name of the 5GHz network and you are good to go.
How To Change The DD-WRT Wireless Password?
Now let’s change the wireless password. With the wireless tab selected at the top, now select the Wireless Security tab in the second row.
Here you can change the wireless passwords for both the 2.4 and 5GH networks.
Make sure that WPA2 personal is selected as a Security Type.
You can check the Unmask checkbox next to the WPA Shared key to see the current wireless password and in the appropriate fields enter the new password(s).
Make sure to come up with a strong and unique password and feel free to add numbers and special characters to boost the strength of the password.
We recommend using the same password for both the 2.4 and 5GH networks, but you can set up different ones if you like.
After you make the changes click on Apply Settings.
When you change the WiFi login details make sure to connect your wireless devices again using the new password.
Final Words
DD-WRT is an amazing firmware that will help you unlock some advanced settings on your router and even improve its performance. All those settings will be available when you login to your DD-WRT router.
The security tweaks we have recommended are just a few of the many other options you can modify so make sure to apply them as soon as possible, you really don’t want anyone to access your network and modify your router settings without you knowing. So, take your time and you will have a secured network in just a few minutes.
Hey, I’m David. I’ve been working as a wireless network engineer and a network administrator for 15 years. During my studies, I also worked as an ISP field technician – that’s when I met Jeremy.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in network engineering and a master’s degree in computer science and engineering. I’m also a Cisco-certified service provider.
In my professional career, I worked for router/modem manufacturers and internet providers. I like to think that I’m good at explaining network-related issues in simple terms. That’s exactly what I’m doing on this website – I’m making simple and easy-to-follow guides on how to install, set up, and troubleshoot your networking hardware. I also review new network equipment – modems, gateways, switches, routers, extenders, mesh systems, cables, etc.
My goal is to help regular users with their everyday network issues, educate them, and make them less scared of their equipment. In my articles, you can find tips on what to look for when buying new networking hardware, and how to adjust your network settings to get the most out of your wi-fi.
Since my work is closely related to computers, servers, and other network equipment, I like to spend most of my spare time outdoors. When I want to blow off some steam, I like to ride my bike. I also love hiking and swimming. When I need to calm down and clear my mind, my go-to activity is fishing.